Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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coasteray
El Toro! 1028 LXE Tecumseh 358cc 10hp
Location: NE Washington State
Joined: Mar 3, 2008
Points: 142
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Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Original Message May 30, 2011 4:36 am |
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I am in the market for a "weed wacker", or trimmer. I don't know which brands are any good, anymore. I don't really trust any of them too much because of what I perceive as a general decline in quality with the various manufacturers. Am I being too overly dramatic about this? I'm thinking of Craftsman, Huqvarna, Stihl, Echo, and Toro as examples. The usual brands. I'd like one with the multiple attachments feature, easy start, straight shaft, perhaps a 2-cycle, and around 27cc in size. I find it sad that too many comments online about personal experiences with a given gas model will range from wonderful results to terrible results for one reason or another, and not just issues with the engine. I noticed this with a Craftsman model. Maybe I should consider an electric or battery model? I find snow blowers and lawn mowers easier to figure out! Thanks much for any help.
This message was modified May 30, 2011 by coasteray
El Toro! 1028 LXE - Tecumseh 358cc 10hp Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
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borat
Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692
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Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #4 May 31, 2011 1:49 pm |
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Thanks for the responses so far. I noticed at Sears, Lowe's, Home Depot, and a local OPE dealer that Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Bolens trimmers looked identical as far as I could tell by the look of the engine and overall body. It seemed the only thing different with them was the labeling and color. The Husqvarna, Stihl, Toro, and Echo models looked different. In the end, I am most concerned with the engine quality, which translates into how long it will last. ECHO. Period.
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CHarley
Joined: Aug 27, 2005
Points: 5
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Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #9 Jun 1, 2011 9:34 pm |
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Hi Everyone: One thing I haven't seen mentioned, starter in the back (instead of the driveshaft side), indicating two main bearings, most likely roller. The engines with the starter on the driveshaft side are, I believe, single, plain main bearing engines, like old, inexpensive model airplane engines. I know Ryobi at least makes both types. Had bad luck with the cheap one, have many hours on their "Pro" model. CHarley
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mml4
Snow is good, Deep snow is better!
Joined: Dec 31, 2003
Points: 544
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Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #10 Jun 5, 2011 4:29 pm |
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Echo.
Absolutely! I have the PAS-260 which accepts different attachments. I have used the string trimmer and edger weekly during the season for the last 6 years with no problems. I bought their Back Pack Blower (PB-602) and hedge clipper(HCR-1500) at the same time with the same result. There may be units out there that are just as good but you can't go wrong with ECHO.
I don't know if those units sold at the box stores are the same as those sold at the OPE dealers. I would check that issue before purchasing. Marc
This message was modified Jun 5, 2011 by mml4
SnapperV210P,Toro22177,TroyBilt42010Snowthrower,Craftsman Shredder,American Turbo Pressure Washer HondaGX200,Stihl011Saw,EchoPas260Trimmer Edger,EchoPB602Blower,EchoHCR150Hedge Clipper
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coasteray
El Toro! 1028 LXE Tecumseh 358cc 10hp
Location: NE Washington State
Joined: Mar 3, 2008
Points: 142
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Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #11 Jun 6, 2011 1:24 am |
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Absolutely! I have the PAS-260 which accepts different attachments. I have used the string trimmer and edger weekly during the season for the last 6 years with no problems. I bought their Back Pack Blower (PB-602) and hedge clipper(HCR-1500) at the same time with the same result. There may be units out there that are just as good but you can't go wrong with ECHO. I don't know if those units sold at the box stores are the same as those sold at the OPE dealers. I would check that issue before purchasing. Marc mmI4: Thanks for concurring with borat on the Echo. I've seen other good comments elsewhere online about Echo. Since my original post, I've found a local real dealer (not big box) in my area who carries Echo. I'll have to pay them a visit.
This message was modified Jun 6, 2011 by coasteray
El Toro! 1028 LXE - Tecumseh 358cc 10hp Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
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Bill_H
Location: Maine
Joined: Jan 12, 2008
Points: 354
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Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #12 Jun 6, 2011 2:52 pm |
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I don't know if those units sold at the box stores are the same as those sold at the OPE dealers. I would check that issue before purchasing.
Strongly agree. If there's even a chance they're different, go to a dealer. Another thing - I've never regretted picking the model I need and can afford, and then stepping up one. Better the pain in your wallet one time than wishing you hadn't gotten the less expensive one every time you use it.
Who the hell let all the morning people run things?
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